Mount Tahtali was the first thing that I wanted to do while in Kemer. Reviews from the internet promised
“amazing landscape views from this tall mountain of Turkey that stands 2365 meters above sea level”
During the months of Jan to April, it is said that you can go skiing on Mount Tahtali in the morning, descend to the resort of Kemer and swim in the Mediterranean Sea in the afternoon. I was not interested in the skiing or swimming part though, just the views and combating my fear of heights.
About Mount Tahtali
Mount Tahtali bases its location as Kemer – Antalya and if you are a hardened outdoor activity person, you can climb the mountain over a period of time. I am however, a hardened smoker whose working days involve sitting lazily for hours at a computer so I decided to take the easy route and jump in the cable car.
To get there from Antalya, there are numerous tour companies selling this as a daytime excursion or you can travel there independently by car. The cable car company itself, also operates a shuttle service from the main town of Kemer called “Sea and Sky“.
This transport which is included in the price of the ticket will drive you up tight and winding mountain roads until you reach the base camp. From there, they shove 80 people into a cable car, press the “go” button and it slowly makes it way to the summit.
The reward when you have suffered ten minutes of elbows in your ribs, pathetic jokes about the cable car falling and nervous questions about safety standards in Turkey, is a complete view of the Beydaglari Mountains, the coast line of the Antalya region and of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
The view stopped me in my tracks and introduced me to the beauty of the Antalya region of Turkey. Tourists flock to Mount Tahtali from all the surrounding resorts including Belek, Cirali and Olympos national park so be aware that at high season, there could be long queues.
At the summit are two reasonably priced restaurants, souvenir shops, a professional photographer and two static levels which meant I could capture outstanding photographs to remind me forever that I had made it to the top.
Coming back down from Mount Tahtali
For those of you who love adventure, think about paragliding off the top of the mountain and spend time soaring through the air before landing in the Kemer region at the foot of the mountain.
Don’t forget that the mountain also doubles up as a ski resort in the winter months so there is the option to ski down. (Not a fact that many people know about Turkey, but there are numerous ski resorts in the country as well). I decided however to play it safe and take the cable car down.
Despite a fear of heights, the safety procedures that I was eagerly watching gave me a sense of confidence and I had no regrets about making Mount Tahtali, one of my first destinations on my south western Turkey tour. If you happen to be anywhere in the Antalya region while in Turkey, don’t miss on this wonderful and amazing experience.
Cable cars and mountains. Are they also your idea of fun while on holiday?
That looks really good the last time I went on a cable car was in the Alps. I would love to come and visit Turkey sometime though!
James Cook recently wrote about..How We Almost Lost Our Entire Website
I would not mind doing a cable car in the Alps as well James. That must be a fantastic experience.
What and incredible view. You really get about, you lucky girl!
Jack Scott recently wrote about..Room with a View
Why thank you kind Sir!
this looks amazing, I went on a skyrail over the rainforest in Australia and it’s an amazing feeling. You’re photos are fab x
Jen recently wrote about..She Did What To The Bull?
Thanks Jen – A rainforest would be another good destination for a cable car
Hmmm, I’ve just written on Google+ that I like the idea of the cable car…now I’m wondering whether hiking would be a better idea – with my feet firmly on the ground. Like you, I’m not great with heights.
Julia
Turkey’s For Life recently wrote about..Fethiye Market: Winter Seasonal Food
No Julia – Got a feeling the hike up there is not an easy one. Not from what I have read anyway!
. . great photos again Natalie. J and I had the gasping pleasure of going to the top of the highest and longest cable car in the world in Merida; Venezuela Andes
Alan recently wrote about..Called To Ordure
I bet it was gasping pleasure Alan. Can not imagine how anyone could miss that chance. Unless of course, there is a fear of heights however I feel that I am getting there. You never know, one day I might be in your footsteps!
I would absolutely take the paragliding route down…the view from the top is awesome! It would be an unmatched experience to glide over that landscape…
Siddhartha Joshi recently wrote about..Pushkar…a place to meet friends, make friends…
I figured the paragliding might be your thing Sid – Imagine the photos you could get from the air. By the way, great photos once again in your Pushkar article. You always imagine to get them just right!
Natalie recently wrote about..Welcome to Cirali
this is on our todo list we both want to go to this place fantastic photos again Natalie
can you walk down the mountain is there anyway you can book for someone to take you down i wouldnt walk up it but i wouldnt mind walking down
how long dose it take if you can do it in 2 days we would do it one night on the mountain would be enough
Hi Di, This bloke went up the mountain in the cable car and ran back down in a day! Wow, is all I can say….
http://www.mjhughes.co.uk/index.php/2010/02/03/running-tahtali/
If you wanted to take your time and do it overnight, there seems to be a village called Beycik half way down but not sure if they have lodgings.
If you wanted to camp overnight with a guide, Ufuk who I mentioned in the Adventure rope climbing article would be a good option as he treks all over the area. If he is not available, then I am sure he would know other guides that could take you.
Natalie recently wrote about..Adventure Rope Climbing In Kemer
I had NO idea there was skiing in Turkey. Though, given Greece has ski resorts, it shouldn’t have come as that much of a surprise…
Theodora recently wrote about..9 Life Lessons Children Learn From Travel
Hi Theodora, Turkey is more promoted as a beach and sun destination however you would be surprised how popular the skiing resorts are with Turks.
Stunning views and photos Natalie, would love to go there!! Cable cars in that hight will be a little tricky for me but I will dream of the end result to keep going!: )
Ozlem’s Turkish Table recently wrote about..Lamb Kebabs with Pistachios on Flat Bread, served with Roasted Peppers, Onions and Tomatoes – Create Delicious Kebabs in Your Home!
I am scared of heights too Ozlem but was fine in the cable cars. I stood in the middle so I could not look down!
Natalie recently wrote about..Sanliurfa (Urfa) : The City of Abraham